Tonya Lee Williams(Dr. Olivia Barber Winters on The Young and the Restless)

Biography

Tonya Maxine Williams was born in London, England. Her family relocated from England, to Kingston, Jamaica and Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. Williams graduated from Ryerson College in Toronto, which is a school that specializes in theater.

In 1977, Williams was the winner of the "Miss Black Ontario" pageant. She appeared on several television programs while in Canada, including the Canadian version of "Sesame Street". On American television, she landed a role on the daytime drama, "Generations", which led to her being cast on The Young and the Restless. Tonya played Dr. Olivia Barber Winters from 1990 until 2005, reappeared briefly in 2007, and has now returned to the cast again late in 2008. Over the years, Tonya has also held guest spots on various television series, and had roles in both made-for-TV, and feature films.

Tonya is currently the founder and President of ReelWorld films, which provides opportunities in the film world for people of varying ethnicities, and puts on a spectacular film festival in Toronto, Ontario each year!

Tonya, who is divorced, is currently living in Los Angeles, but divides her time between that city and Toronto, where her commitments to the ReelWorld Foundation are based.

Awards & Acclaim

Nominated, Daytime Emmy Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for The Young and the Restless (2000)Nominated, Image Award Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series (2006)Nominated, Image Award Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series (2005)Nominated, Image Award Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series (2004)Nominated, Image Award Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series (2003)Won, Image Award Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series (2002)Nominated, Image Award Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series (2001)Won, Image Award Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series (2000)Nominated, Image Award Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series (1999)Nominated, Image Award Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series (1998)Nominated, Image Award Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series (1997)Nominated, Image Award Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series (1996)